A fresh breeze is blowing through Logan, carrying the scent of change—and perhaps a few victories as well. Utah State football fans have a renewed sense of hope heading into the 2025 season, especially with Bronco Mendenhall taking over as head coach.
Following a disappointing 4–8 finish in 2024, the Aggies were in dire need of a reset. They didn’t just settle for any change; they secured one of the most respected program builders in college football. Mendenhall is back in the Mountain West Conference, and all eyes are on how he’ll reshape the Aggies from the ground up.
2025 Utah State Football Schedule
Before we delve into what the season might bring, let’s lay out the full schedule so you know when and where the Aggies will battle it out in Mendenhall’s first year:
- Aug. 30: vs UTEP
- Sept. 6: at Texas A&M
- Sept. 13: vs Air Force
- Sept. 20: vs McNeese
- Sept. 27: at Vanderbilt
- Oct. 11: at Hawai’i
- Oct. 18: vs San José State
- Oct. 25: at New Mexico
- Nov. 8: vs Nevada
- Nov. 15: at UNLV
- Nov. 22: at Fresno State
- Nov. 29: vs Boise State
Breaking Down the Slate: What Can We Expect in 2025?
Right out of the gate, Utah State opens the season at home against UTEP, a game that could help Mendenhall’s squad build early momentum. However, a trip to College Station to face Texas A&M looms—easily the toughest matchup on the schedule. It’s a classic early-season gut check.
Back-to-back home games against Air Force and McNeese follow, offering a real chance for the Aggies to find their rhythm before another road test against Vanderbilt. While not an SEC powerhouse, playing in Nashville is still a significant challenge.
Once Mountain West play begins in October, things become particularly interesting. The Aggies will travel to Hawai’i, then alternate home and away games through November. Crucial matchups against San José State, New Mexico, Nevada, UNLV, and Fresno State will likely determine whether Utah State can achieve a winning record.
And let’s not overlook the season finale: Boise State comes to Logan on Nov. 29. That game could be program-defining for Mendenhall’s first year if bowl eligibility or conference positioning is on the line.
Bronco Mendenhall: The Rebuild Begins
So, is Bronco Mendenhall the coach who can restore Utah State to relevance? If history is any indication, the answer could very well be yes.
Mendenhall has navigated rebuilds before. He transformed BYU into a consistent winner and revitalized Virginia football, leading them to the Orange Bowl. Now, he’s back in familiar territory with a clean slate and a determined mindset. He has assembled a 23-person staff comprised of seasoned coaches and promising analysts, all focused on resetting the culture in Logan.
That kind of long-term vision is precisely what Utah State has been missing. His “Earned Not Given” mantra is already shaping the offseason workouts, and the locker room atmosphere has noticeably shifted. The team has welcomed transfers from Power 4 programs seeking a fresh start, much like their coach.
Crucially, Mendenhall understands the Mountain West Conference. He knows how to navigate its altitude, its travel complexities, and its tendency to turn every game into a hard-fought battle. With the Pac-12’s instability potentially drawing more attention to the Mountain West, it’s an opportune time for Utah State to make a statement.
KEEP READING: Fresno State 2025 Football Schedule: Full List of Bulldogs’ Opponents, Dates, and Key Matchups
The 2025 season promises to be an eventful one, without a doubt. Utah State might not immediately transform into a 10-win team, but with Bronco Mendenhall at the helm, they are no longer aimlessly drifting. There’s a clear vision, a strong coaching staff, and enough talent on the roster to foster big dreams. If things click early and the Aggies can secure a few road victories, this could mark the beginning of a genuine football revival in Logan.
And if they can defeat Boise State at home to conclude the year? That would be the perfect ending to the first chapter of the Bronco Mendenhall era.
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